2012 Volkswagen Golf R: U.S. Pricing and Specifications Released

The U.S.-spec Golf R, which we confirmed way back in December of 2010, has finally been detailed and priced. (How slow has this car been to get here? Super-slow: We first drove a European example on January of 2010, and we’ve also spotted test mules for the next-generation model.) Output from the uprated 2.0-liter turbo […]

Erik Johnson

Oct 4, 2011

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The U.S.-spec Golf R, which we confirmed way back in December of 2010, has finally been detailed and priced. (How slow has this car been to get here? Super-slow: We first drove a European example on January of 2010, and we’ve also spotted test mules for the next-generation model.) Output from the uprated 2.0-liter turbo four officially stands at 256 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, increases of 56 and 36 over its GTI sibling. And, as previously reported, all-wheel drive is standard and the only transmission on offer is a six-speed stick. As you probably know, this serves as a replacement for the second-generation R32, which also featured AWD and had 250 hp from its narrow-angle V-6.

Der über Golf will be available here in both three- and five-door body styles, with the former starting at $34,760 and the latter at $36,860. The $2100 difference between the two can be chalked up to VW forcing five-door buyers to add a sunroof and navigation system; they’ll also get keyless entry and start and premium audio. A three-door with the same addenda will run $36,260.

That, friends, is not inexpensive, especially considering that a comparably equipped three-door GTI Autobahn model—which has the sunroof, nav, and premium audio, and is the only way to get leather upholstery—runs $30,705. You’re probably also wondering about weight; we figure the three-door R will tip our scales just over 3400 pounds, or 300 more than a three-door manual GTI.

The Golf R goes on sale in early 2012; you can use the intervening time to convince yourself that it’s really a slightly less powerful, budget Audi TTS.